Counterfeit Chip Ring Broken Up in Vegas

HENDERSON, Nev. (AP) - Two men were arrested Friday on counterfeiting charges after state gambling regulators accused them of minting and cashing casino chips at several casinos in southern Nevada.

Jeremy Lewis, 24, and Erick Morikawa, 34, were arrested at Morikawa's home in Henderson, where Nevada Gaming Control Board agents also found a chip manufacturing plant, control board enforcement chief Keith Copher said.

Copher said agents started investigating earlier this year, after casino cashiers noticed getting homemade chips in denominations of $100 and $500.

"These were high-quality counterfeit chips," Copher said, adding that investigators think Lewis and Morikawa bilked at least six casinos on the Las Vegas Strip and Henderson out of at least $50,000.

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Comments & Discussion:

posted on Monday, 28th November 2005 - 5:46 pm

I think its great! Casinos take people's life savings without a tear in their eyes...playing on the weaknesses of people. So, they are now the victims of a con game...I think its just wonderful!! Casinos aren't rich because of their winners.......To hell with them.